Ferozepur observes World AIDS Day with Awareness Drive and Youth Engagement
HARISH MONGA
Ferozepur, November 29, 2024: Under the guidance of the Punjab State AIDS Control Society and the proactive leadership of Civil Surgeon Ferozepur, Dr Rajwinder Kaur, Disha Cluster Ferozepur organised a World AIDS Day awareness program at Civil Hospital Ferozepur. The event saw the presence of Deputy Medical Commissioner Dr Gurmej Ram Guraya as the chief guest.
In his address, Dr Gurmej Ram Guraya highlighted the severity of HIV/AIDS as a global health challenge and urged the community to prioritize awareness and prevention. Senior Medical Officer Dr Nikhil Gupta commended the relentless efforts of healthcare workers dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS and assured them of continued support.
District TB Officer Dr. Satinder Kaur shed light on the alarming trend of youth falling prey to HIV/AIDS due to drug use involving syringes. She emphasized the importance of staying drug-free and provided information about OST (Opioid Substitution Therapy) and OT (Outreach Testing) centres available in the district.
Amritpal Singh, Cluster Program Manager of Disha Cluster Ferozepur, outlined the primary goal of the event: raising awareness about HIV/AIDS among the public. The program also featured insights from notable medical professionals, including Dr Naveen Sethi, Dr Akash Agarwal, Dr. Amitoj Singh, and Dr. Sorab Luthra.
A poster-making competition was held for nursing college students, with winners receiving prizes as a token of encouragement. Staff members working on HIV/AIDS prevention were honoured for their contributions.
Prominent attendees included Madam Sarabjit Kaur (CSO, Disha Cluster Ferozepur), counsellors Monika and Parveen, representatives from TI Project Frances Newton Mission Hospital, TI Aradhya, Himalayan Foundation Link Worker Scheme, and TI Project Lala Fateh Chand Educational Society, along with a large gathering of participants.
The event successfully reinforced the need for collective efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and fostered a sense of responsibility among the youth to lead a healthy, drug-free life.